For non urgent health information you can visit HERON, which contains information about services available and information about a wide range of diseases and conditions in various community languages and formats.

Your choices as an NHS patient

You have choices as an NHS patient - "nothing about me without me". Your doctor, nurse or consultant should always discuss options with you, so you can make an informed decision about your health and your treatment.

When your GP refers you to a hospital, you can choose where you would prefer to go. There is a lot you will need to consider, such as waiting times and convenience. Your GP or nurse can help you make these decisions.

Ask your GP about NHS Choose and Book - which is how you can choose where to go for treatment. You can see the Choose and Book website here.

You can find out more about local NHS hospitals and other major NHS providers on the Local NHS Trusts page of this website. But of course you do not have to choose a local hospital - it's your decision.

You can also find out how to choose the right care when its urgent or an emergency - have a look at the website menu to the left of this page.

Your rights as an NHS patient

Your rights as a patient are set out in the NHS Constitution. Among these, you have the right to access certain services commissioned by NHS bodies within maximum waiting times. Where this is not possible and you ask for this, the NHS will take all reasonable steps to offer you a range of suitable alternative providers.

You may have heard about '18 weeks'. This is our pledge that after your GP has referred you to hospital, your consultant-led treatment should begin within 18 weeks.

Sometimes there are very good reasons why this does not happen, for example you might have cancelled or rebooked the appointment you were given. Sometimes patients agree with their specialist that a procedure should be delayed for good clinical reasons.

Need urgent healthcare? Feel poorly or hurt yourself? Try your community pharmacy. But if it is urgent and you cannot see your GP, call 111 or think about the Walk-in Centre in Norwich or Cromer Minor Injuries Unit. Watch this film to find out more.